Better strategy needed for most vulnerable

The old U.S. Navy design acronym, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) has proven to have countless applications in civilian life. Whether discussing home or web design, car repair, teaching or coaching, there are reliable benefits to embracing the straightest paths. It also continues to apply to military applications.

There’s wisdom to approaching the COVID-19 pandemic as an enemy that requires a military strategy. In many ways, America’s failures in addressing the coronavirus have been a consequence of a lack of discipline, a stubbornness to maintaining basic protocols such as social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands. Simple strategies.

We tilt toward another military acronym in contemplating a plan of action for the next stage of vaccine distribution. The government is essentially a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit and everyone is a patient. For, in the end, we have all been wounded by the pandemic, and no one should be denied treatment.

Like a field surgeon, the state’s brass has to make tough decisions. That was already clear after the first doses were distributed to health workers. Pressure was put on Gov. Ned Lamont’s office on who would get priority for the second phase, notably from educators.

Lamont responded Monday by citing the K.I.S.S. principle as he tossed out his existing playbook. Starting Monday, March 1, residents aged 55-65 will become eligible, followed by the 45-54 age group on March 22, the 25-44 group April 12 and the 16-34 group May 3.

Teachers, school staff and professional child care providers will also be guided to dedicated clinics starting March 1. Simple, right? It’s too simple. Lamont has chosen to go rogue from the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state advisory groups. He decided other states got in trouble when they tried to “finely slice the sausage.” Civil wars are already brewing between various unions and civil rights groups questioning Lamont’s decision to form lines based on age.

We can appreciate the challenges of distinguishing big box store employees from supermarket workers, but the state has strayed from the mission by not addressing people with preexisting conditions.

Dr. Gregory Buller, associate chief medical officer at Bridgeport Hospital, explains that having, for example, smoking among the COVID risk factors would complicate any process to shuffle people with conditions into the line.

Stamford Hospital Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Michael Parry said it’s simply a matter of “operational expediency” at the clinics.

In other words, it’s just simpler. That may work in terms of efficiency, but it will put lives at risk. Yes, asking for proof of comorbidities from people with compromised immune systems, sickle cell disease, cancer and other conditions that put them at risk could make the line move more slowly.

But people with conditions such as these should not be left waiting on the COVID battlefield. A lot of things just aren’t simple. Among them is saving lives.

The state has strayed from the mission by not addressing people with preexisting conditions.